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While cancer survival rates are increasing due to advancements in cancer treatment, the treatments themselves are still very taxing to the body, causing numerous debilitating side-effects.  Acupuncture is a perfect complementary option to lessen these side effects, alleviate pain and help strengthen the body.  Because of this, many elite cancer care facilities including Moffitt Cancer Center, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and the Naval Medical Center (San Diego) offer acupuncture services.



Picture of Cancer Support Acupuncture in Clearwater, FL


Oriental Medicine for Cancer:

Oriental Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced form of medicine in the world.  It is just as valuable today as ever, because it emphasizes the re-establishment of natural balance and utilizes the body’s innate healing wisdom to gently address the underlying causes of symptoms.


Though it is a complete medical system, most Doctors of Oriental Medicine do not treat cancer per se.  Instead, we offer supportive treatment, using acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutritional counseling to reduce the side effects of conventional cancer treatments, relieve pain, and to provide support for the overall health of the body.


Oriental Medicine for Nausea & Vomiting:

Nausea, vomiting and poor appetite are common side effects of chemotherapy.   Even with the best anti-nausea medications, 60% of chemotherapy patients still experience nausea and vomiting (Collins).  Acupuncture has been found by many research studies to greatly reduce chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting; in fact, the National Institute of Health endorses its use.  For example, in England, a study of 130 cancer patients found that when acupuncture was added 97% had reduced or no sickness after chemotherapy (Dundee).  Numerous other studies support the same findings (Aglietti, Deng, Reindl, Molassiotis).


Acupuncture for Pain:

Because Acupuncture and Chinese herbs enhance the circulation of energy and blood through the body, it can decrease the swelling and pain of surgery, and the pain of cancer itself.  To illustrate, in 2005, the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association reported on several studies:  In one, the majority of 250 patients with gynecologic cancer had enhanced pain relief when acupuncture was administered as an adjunct to anesthesia (Menefee).  Another study found substantial pain reduction in patients receiving ear acupuncture (Menefee).   Cancer treatment–related pain, muscle and bladder spasms, and vascular problems all are found to improve with acupuncture (Alimi, Deng, Menefee).


Acupuncture for Increased Immunity and Energy:

Acupuncture helps build the immune system and increase the rate of healing, as well as boost energy levels.  It is ideal to use concurrent to cancer treatment (to reduce side-effects), before treatment (to help prepare the body) and after treatment (to build strength and prevent recurrence).


While it is advisable to not take Chinese herbal medicine during chemotherapy treatment, to avoid possible interactions, it is quite helpful to take individually prescribed Chinese herbal formulas before chemo has begun, and after it is complete. Several studies reviewed in Acupuncture Today (Sept 2005 edition) show that combining Chinese herbal formulas with conventional therapies leads to better treatment results with fewer hemoglobin changes, higher white blood cell counts, and lower recurrence rates than conventional therapy alone (Fratkin).  In another study, at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, acupuncture was shown to reduce post-chemotherapy fatigue by 31% (breastcancer.org, Cohen).


Acupuncture for other chemotherapy–related problems:

Acupuncture can help with a host of other chemotherapy related problems: Because there is evidence that acupuncture can assist a variety of psychoneurological issues, researchers at UCLA recommend that physicians support their patients’ decision to use acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction (Johnston).  Acupuncture is also useful to treat patients with radiation-induced xerostomia (lack of salivation), as well as patients with shortness of breath, depressed mood, leg swelling due to removal of lymph nodes, and menopausal symptoms due to anti-estrogen therapy. Acupuncture also improves arm mobility following lymph node removal from the chest area (Cohen, Filshie, Mehling, Menefee, Rydholm).


In my own clinic, I have also used acupuncture to alleviate dizziness after radiation therapy, and scar tissue pain from cancer surgery.


For those who are needle shy, a treatment alternative is acupressure massage.  Using the same acu-points, acupressure applies gentle sustained pressure, rather than needles.  It is a perfect choice for those who fear needles, or who just want to experience supportive touch.


A welcome added effect of acupuncture/acupressure is the deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing that is often experienced during and after the treatments; it can greatly increase a cancer patient’s quality of life.


Dawn’s Qualifications:

Cancer care is one of my passions, so I have become certified in “Acupuncture for the Cancer Patient” from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I provide acupuncture, acupressure and nutritional counseling to patients in all various stages of all various types of cancer to alleviate discomfort, and to enhance energy, appetite and immune function.

I generally do not prescribe Chinese herbal medicine to patients undergoing chemotherapy, but I do like to provide it for patients who are complete with their chemotherapy treatments, or are not candidates for chemotherapy, to enhance their digestion, vital energy, and immune system.

For more info on the care I provide for Cancer patients, please see my Cancer support website page.

Dawn Potter, AP, Dipl.OM

(Excerpts published in Tampa Bay Wellness, Oct 2007)

Start Cancer Support Acupuncture in Clearwater Today

Are you, a friend or a loved one currently going through cancer treatments? Looking for cancer support options that can help you feel your best during these times? Dawn Potter Acupuncture in Clearwater offers a wide range of cancer support/care treatment options. Schedule your free 15 minute phone consultation today to get started. Sources:

Aglietti, L., et al.   “A pilot study of metoclopramide, dexamethasone, diphenhydramine and acupuncture in women treated with cisplatin” Medical Oncology Division, Ospedale Policlinico, Perugia, Italy. – 1990. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology. 26(3) p. 239-240


Alimi, David, et al.  “Analgesic Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Cancer Pain: A Randomized, Blinded, Controlled Trial”.  Journal of Clinical Oncology, Vol 21, Issue 22 (November), 2003: 4120-4126

American Cancer Society Website. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/content/STT_1x_Cancer_Facts__Figures_2007.asp

Cohen, Andrea J, MD, et al. “Acupuncture: Role in Comprehensive Cancer Care—A Primer for the  Oncologist and Review of the Literature.” Integrative Cancer Therapies, Vol. 4, No. 2, 131-143 (2005).

Collins, KB & Thomas, DJ.  “Acupuncture and acupressure for the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.” J Am Acad Nurse Pract. 2004 Feb;16(2):76-80. Review.

Deng, G, et al.  Complementary therapies for cancer-related symptoms. J Support Oncol. 2004 Sep-Oct;2(5):419-26; discussion 427-9. Review. PMID: 15524070

Dundee, J, et al.  Acupuncture prophylaxis of cancer chemotherapy-induced sickness.  Department of Anaesthetics, Queen’s University of Belfast. – 1989.  Journal of Royal Society of Medicine 1. 82(5) p. 268-271.

Filshie, J, et al.  “Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related breathlessness.” Palliat Med. 1996 Apr;10(2):145-50.  PMID: 8800822

Johnston, MF, et al. “Acupuncture for chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction: a hypothesis-generating literature review to inform clinical advice”.   Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Mar;6(1):36-41. PMID: 17351025

Johnstone PA, et al. (Naval Medical Center, SD)  “Integration of acupuncture into the oncology clinic.”  Palliat Med. 2002 May;16(3):235-9. PMID: 12047000

Komen, Susan G.  The Breast Cancer Foundation Website. http://www.komen.org/intradoccgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=298

Mehling, We, et al.  Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007 Mar;33(3):258-66. PMID: 17349495

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center website: http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/1987.cfm

Menefee, Lynette, PhD & Monti, Daniel, MD.  “Nonpharmacologic and Complementary Approaches to Cancer Pain Management.” Journal of the American Osteopathic Association • Vol 105 • No suppl_5 • November 2005 • 15-20.   http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/content/full/105/suppl_5/S15 – REF43#REF43

Moffett Cancer Center Website. http://www.moffitt.usf.edu/ClinicalPrograms.aspx?spid=9194651A8B264C848B698727A326E3B3&ContentNumber=3&ForwardFrom=87EF0AF86A4B4237A29886E3EC67B04A

Molassiotis A, et al.  “The effects of P6 acupressure in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting in breast cancer patients”. Complement Ther Med. 2007 Mar;15(1):3-12. Epub 2006 Sep 27. PubMed # 17352966

NIH Consensus Statement (Acupuncture) Online 1997 Nov 3-5; month, day]; 15(5):1-34. http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm

Reindl, TK, et al.  “Acupuncture against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in pediatric oncology. Interim results of a multicenter crossover study”.  Support Care Cancer. 2006. Feb;14(2):172-6. Epub 2005 Jul 14. PMID: 16021478

Rydholm, M & Strang, P. Acupuncture for patients in hospital-based home care suffering from xerostomia.  J Palliat Care. 1999 Winter;15(4):20-3. PMID: 10693302

Updated: Aug 17, 2021

Did you know that musculoskeletal pain is often common before, during and even after cancer treatment? This pain can become a chronic problem for those undergoing cancer treatment along with those that have recovered. Today, we’re discussing acupuncture treatment for cancer patients and what Clinical Oncology News had to say about a recent study on the topic. Have questions about cancer patient acupuncture? Interested in scheduling an appointment for acupuncture in Clearwater? We would be happy to help with any of your needs, simply give Dawn Potter Acupuncture a call.

A recent study, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and reported in Clinical Oncology News, included 360 adult cancer survivors who had no signs of disease but suffered from chronic musculoskeletal pain. In this study, chronic pain is defined as active pain lasting at least three months and self-rated 4 or higher in the past week on a 0-10 pain scale. Each of the patients in the study had recently completed cancer treatment in the last month and had been experiencing pain for an extended period of time, most had been experiencing pain for 5+ years.

During the study, the group was randomly assigned to one of the three groups, some received electroacupuncture, some auricular acupuncture and some usual care. Those that received acupuncture treatment received weekly treatments for 10 weeks. The acupuncture groups in the study had more reduced pain than those that received usual care, with electroacupuncture being more effective than auricular acupuncture. Mental and physical quality of life was also improved in the acupuncture groups in comparison to the usual care group.

Start Cancer Patient Acupuncture in Clearwater Today

Have you or a loved one recently finished cancer treatment? Are you currently undergoing care for cancer? Acupuncture can be a wonderful tool during these times. To get started, simply contact Dawn Potter Acupuncture to schedule a consultation. We would be delighted to help with any of your needs.

Updated: May 27, 2021

Do you or a loved one suffer from chronic immune system issues? Interested in a treatment option that can address the cause of your symptoms instead of just masking them? At Dawn Potter Acupuncture we take a more natural approach to health, offering acupuncture in Clearwater along with other options. Wondering how exactly acupuncture treatment can improve your immune system and overall health? Today we’re discussing the immune system and the benefits acupuncture can have, for any additional questions, feel free to reach out. We’d be happy to help.

About The Immune System

Your body’s immune system is essentially it’s security system, the cells, organs and tissues that comprise your immune system help to repel and fight off foreign invaders which can cause infection, illness and disease. Immune system disorders can range from minor annoyances such as allergies to more serious issues such as lupus. Genetics, lifestyle, lack of sleep, diet, stress and various other factors can impact the immune system and contribute to dysfunction.

Clearwater Acupuncture for Immune Support?

According to a study performed by the University of Madrid, Spain, the most favorable immune function effects of acupuncture treatment occur about 72 hours after a single session, persisting about one month after the end of the completed treatment. The immune functions of women with anxiety in the study were significantly improved.

Acupuncture treatment can help the patient’s body regulate immune function while treating the underlying cause of the immune function issues. Acupuncture can reduce symptoms and speed up the healing process in the body. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific acupoints through the autonomic nervous system, causing the immune system to respond with a rise in levels of messenger hormones.

Start Acupuncture in Clearwater, Florida Today

Interested in Clearwater acupuncture treatment to help improve your immune system? Feel free to schedule a consultation with Dawn Potter Acupuncture, we’re always welcoming new patients and would be delighted to get you added to our schedule for your first visit.

Location

2907 FL-590 Suite 6A,

Clearwater, FL 33759

Phone: (727) 475-4710, ext 1

 

Hours (by appt only)
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:30a - 6:30p

Thur: 1:30p - 6:30p
Sat (alternating): 
9:30a - 1:30p

© 2025 Dawn Potter Acupuncture

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